Building Community, Building Lives

“Everyone's struggles are different, but our goals are the same. To change our lives, this is why we came. The things we gave up, the things we regret Are all in the past and we shouldn't forget We are in this together to fix our own lives, To move forward and prosper, to make things right. ”

Titus, age 20

Supporter Spotlight: Steve Rudman

Steve Rudman is well known in this city as an advocate for affordable housing, but we know him best as one the founders of Portland YouthBuilders. While serving as director of the city's Bureau of Housing and Community Development in the early 1990s, Steve played a pivotal role in bringing a national YouthBuild pilot program to the Portland area. As an influential city leader, Steve recognized the importance of creating an opportunity for civic engagement for our community's low-income youth and gathered the support and resources to make PYB a reality.

In addition to helping create our organization, Steve has been a longtime board member and board chair for PYB. He works tirelessly to ensure that low-income youth are able to have a second chance at success at PYB, whether by helping us form new collaborations, advocating within the city on our students' behalf, or speaking out in the community about the need for our services. Steve is a charismatic and thoughful leader and his enthusiasm for our work and the young people that we serve is contagious.

For over a dozen years Steve has served our city as the executive director of Home Forward, formerly Housing Authority of Portland. As Steve retires from his position as director of Home Forward, he has made it clear that he is not backing down from his commitment to PYB or our students. We are incredibly honored to have Steve on our side and look forward to his continued involvement and support for years to come!